10/14 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana Lawmakers Revisit ‘Cable Pollution’ Complaints as Locals Press for State Oversight
- Indiana Supreme Court Dismisses Latest Disciplinary Case Against AG Todd Rokita
- Pharmacists Press Lawmakers to Drop ‘Out of Date’ Law Test from Licensing Requirements
- Indiana Leaders Hint at Early Redistricting ‘Resolution’ Following Third Meeting with VP
- Federal Shutdown Could Hurt Government Services like WIC, SNAP in Indiana
- Indiana Revenue Comes in Strong for September, First Quarters
- ‘Harder to Keep Teachers’: Indiana Fiscal Policy Panel Weighs Salary Gaps, Educator Shortage
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana Lawmakers Revisit ‘Cable Pollution’ Complaints as Locals Press for State Oversight
Indiana lawmakers addressed the issue of dormant, abandoned utility lines left by telecom companies, a problem described as "cable pollution."
Why it matters: This tangled infrastructure poses safety risks and financial burdens for Hoosier communities, costing cities thousands in cleanup efforts.
- Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett emphasized that taxpayers shouldn't shoulder these costs and called for oversight.
The big picture: Rep. Michelle Davis and Mayor Barnett are pushing for legislative action to establish standards for utility line maintenance.
- They argue for consistent statewide rules to avoid leaving this responsibility solely to local governments.
What they're saying: Steve Rogers of AT&T warns against new state mandates, arguing they could duplicate existing oversight and slow broadband expansion.
- "The idea that there are no rules is just not the case," Rogers stated, highlighting existing federal and state regulations. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Supreme Court Dismisses Latest Disciplinary Case Against AG Todd Rokita
The Indiana Supreme Court has dismissed the latest disciplinary case against Attorney General Todd Rokita, concluding that he genuinely accepted responsibility for past professional misconduct.
Why it matters: This resolution emphasizes the closure of a contentious legal matter involving Indiana's top legal officer.
- The dismissal highlights the joint agreement between Rokita and state disciplinary officials, aiming to clarify any confusion from previous public statements.
- The case has had significant financial implications, with nearly $500,000 spent on legal defense as of June.
Driving the news: The case began in January after Rokita allegedly contradicted his earlier acceptance of responsibility in public statements.
- The initial reprimand was linked to comments Rokita made about a physician involved in an abortion case.
What’s next: With this dismissal, the focus may shift back to Rokita's role and responsibilities as Attorney General, free of this disciplinary shadow. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Pharmacists Press Lawmakers to Drop ‘Out of Date’ Law Test from Licensing Requirements
An outdated pharmacy law test is reportedly causing Indiana to lose prospective pharmacists, according to medical professionals speaking to lawmakers.
Why it matters: The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, written by Indiana’s Board of Pharmacy, contains outdated questions that may confuse test-takers and impact the state's healthcare workforce.
- Pharmacy professor Veronica Vernon emphasized the difficulty for candidates in choosing which laws to study: the current or outdated ones.
- The exam's pass-fail rate is contributing to a decline in pharmacist numbers.
The big picture: The issue was discussed in an interim study committee focused on reducing licensing barriers.
- Witnesses highlighted the disadvantage for pharmacists in less common settings, like hospitals, when taking the law exam.
- Some lawmakers are considering eliminating the exam requirement altogether.
What they’re saying: Sarah Trovinger from the Indiana Pharmacy Association noted that irrelevant exam questions further complicate the licensing process.
- "Our Board of Pharmacy is great," she added, "but this test shouldn't take up their time."
What’s next: The committee will continue to evaluate the necessity of the law test and potentially reform the licensing process to better support pharmacy professionals in Indiana. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Leaders Hint at Early Redistricting ‘Resolution’ Following Third Meeting with VP
The meeting on Friday focused on mid-cycle redistricting, with Vice President JD Vance joining Indiana leaders for a third time to secure support.
Why it matters: Redistricting could reshape Indiana’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections, potentially impacting GOP control.
- The current map favors Republicans 7-2.
- Changes could affect representation and party strategies.
Driving the news: Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray described the discussion as productive but noted no decisions have been made yet.
- President Trump is urging GOP-led states to redraw maps to solidify Republican power. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Federal Shutdown Could Hurt Government Services like WIC, SNAP in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health is facing a potential funding crisis for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), affecting thousands of Hoosiers.
Why it matters: WIC provides essential nutritional support to 157,000 Hoosiers, including 87,000 children, making it vital for developmental health.
- If state funding doesn't fill the gap, many may lose crucial benefits, impacting community health.
The big picture: States like Mississippi and Colorado are supplementing WIC funds, showcasing varied national responses.
- Indiana relies on federal support for 40% of its budget, complicating state-level interventions amid the federal freeze.
What's next: Funding has been identified to keep WIC operational temporarily, but advocacy groups urge state action to prevent looming cuts.
- Feeding Indiana’s Hungry Executive Director, Emily Weikert Bryant, highlights the critical nature of nutrition for development and the potential increased demand on local food banks.
By the numbers: From October 1, 2024, to May 2025, Indiana's WIC program received nearly $80 million in federal funding, with $24 million allocated to administrative costs. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Revenue Comes in Strong for September, First Quarters
Indiana tax collections are up $270 million over projections in just three months of the fiscal year.
Why it matters: This increase in revenue underscores the state's economic growth and fiscal stability, benefiting Hoosiers through enhanced public services and infrastructure investments.
- Compared to the prior year's first quarter, revenue rose by $532 million, marking a 10.7% increase.
Driving the news: Gov. Mike Braun emphasizes that this growth is a testament to the strong, pro-growth policies established, highlighting the ongoing momentum under conservative leadership.
- “We’ll keep building on that momentum to deliver results for Hoosiers through fiscal responsibility," he stated.
- Revenue for Indiana’s general fund for September alone was $313.6 million higher than last year— a 15.6% increase.
By the numbers:
- Sales tax revenue surged 6% in September, up 9% from the previous year.
- Individual income taxes increased by $205 million, nearly 12% over the same period last year.
Yes, but: Despite these gains, the forecast was downgraded by over $2 billion in April, prompting significant budget cuts, including reductions in child care programs and state workforce layoffs. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
‘Harder to Keep Teachers’: Indiana Fiscal Policy Panel Weighs Salary Gaps, Educator Shortage
New data reveals Indiana educators earn less than peers in neighboring states, raising concerns about retention and classroom success.
Why it matters: The pay gap threatens to drive skilled teachers to nearby states like Wisconsin and Ohio, where salaries are higher, impacting Indiana's educational quality.
- The statewide median teacher salary is $60,100, with inflation adjustments showing a decline in real wages since 2020.
Driving the news: During a recent study committee meeting, union leaders highlighted the urgency of raising teacher pay to match regional standards.
- Indiana ranks 39th nationally for average teacher salary, according to the National Education Association.
- Legislative Services Agency data shows salary disparities between suburban and rural districts.
What's next: Lawmakers are considering new legislative measures, like Senate Enrolled Act 146, to boost minimum teacher salaries and enhance transparency in school funding.
- Potential solutions include incentive pay for shortage areas and greater transparency in local spending. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
State Board of Education Meeting: Wednesday, October 15th at 9:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, & Human Services: Wednesday, October 15th at 1:00 pm
Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation: Monday, October 20th at 10:00 am
Code Revision Committee: Tuesday, October 21st at 9:30 am
Probate Code Study Committee: Tuesday, October 21st at 10:00 am
Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight: Monday, October 27th at 1:00 pm
Code Revision Committee: Thursday, October 30th at 10:30 am
State Fair Advisory Committee: Thursday, October 30th at 1:30 pm
State Board of Education Meeting: Wednesday, November 5th at 9:00 am
Government Reform Task Force: Wednesday, November 5th at 1:30 pm
Strategic Energy Growth Task Force: Monday, November 17th
Organization Day: Tuesday, November 18th